Search by Name

Search by Name

FUNERAL HOME

Piser Funeral Services

9200 North Skokie Blvd

Skokie, Illinois

Morris Kaplan Obituary

Kaplan, Morris A April 24, 1913- June 1, 2011. Morris was a leader, philanthropist, business man, music lover, problem solver, thinker, bird watcher, husband, father, grandfather, great grandfather and an interested, loving friend. He was a "player". He died on Wednesday at the age of 98. Morris graduated from Roosevelt High School where he excelled as an athlete and went on to attend Northwestern University (NU Class of '35). As a child he studied violin for 10 years and his "fiddling" is a cherished memory for all along with his vocal renditions of arias, popular love songs and bird calls. He played high school football and was a national broad jump champion. His athletic interests ensured that his children and progeny enjoyed all forms of sports and adventurous trips. He imbued them with a curiosity about all cultures. He started his 49-year business career as a licensee at Sealy in 1939 and, together with an executive team, developed the Sealy Posturepedic mattress and innovative manufacturing, advertising, and marketing programs. He was chairman, president, and CEO when Sealy was the foremost mattress company in the United States. An Active Northwestern alumnus, Mr. Kaplan was awarded The Alumni Service Award in 1986, and the ALUMNI MEDAL in 1993. He was a member of the Kellogg Alumni Advisory Board, recipient of the Kellogg Schaffner Alumni Award and a member of the visiting Committee of the School of Music. Morris Kaplan was elected to the Northwestern Board of trustees in June of 1994 as a lifetime member. He chaired the 50th, 60th and 65th Northwestern Class Reunion and Gift Committees and with his wife, Dolores Kohl, established the freshman Kaplan Humanities Scholars Program at NU in 2007. His longtime support of and the belief in business and public ethics led him to create the Morris and Alice Kaplan Chair of Ethics and Decision in Management at Northwestern University's Kellogg Graduate School of Management. Morris enjoyed participating in a wide range of Community activities in Chicago which benefited from his intelligence, compassion and wisdom. He was a life member of the Board of Trustees of NU, the Chicago Symphony Orchestra, Ravinia Festival Association, and the Chicago Council of Global Affairs. Formerly, he was Vice Chairman of the Chicago Symphony Orchestra Board, a former Vice President of the Jewish Federation of Metroplitan Chicago; Vice President of North Shore Congregation Israel, and Chairman of the Advisory Committee to the Dean at Harvard Business School among many others. In addition he was a member of the Commercial Club of Chicago, The Chicago Club, Northmoor Country Club, Lake Shore Country Club, and The Standard Club of Chicago. He was an active member of THE BOOK CLUB since 1967 and always had numerous books he read simultaneously and loved to discuss with everyone. Non fiction books predominated his interest but he had an enduring passion for the humanties and the written word. He was an astute critic and was an outstanding teacher. Morry was a founder and Chairman of the Mayer and Morris Kaplan Foundation which is a fifth generation family foundation founded in 1955. His children, grandchildren and great grandchildren relished learning about philanthropy and he was delighted that they continue his life-long commitment to The Foundation and giving back to society Morris is survived by his wife Dolores Kohl whom he married in 1997; his children Bob (Laurence) Kaplan, and Jean (Oscar) Kaplan; daughter-in-law, Anne Kaplan; 2 step sons, Stephen (Mark Tilton) Solovy, Jonathan (Stacey) Solovy; 15 grandchilren: Beth (Ken), Michael (Laura), Charlie (Elaine), Jessica (Torjus) , Curt (Lauren), Hilary (Mark), Sarah (David), David, Aura (Will), Anna Jayne, David, Abraham, Elizabeth, Abigail, and Nina; 19 great grandchildren; longtime friend and "son" (the family Physician) Dr. Eladio Vargas (Mary Jo). He was preceeded in death by his wife of 60 years, Alice Berline Kaplan and his son, Burt Kaplan. Service will be at North Shore Congregation Israel on 1185 Sheridan Road, Glencoe, on Sunday June 5, 2011 at 10:30am. Visitation will be Sunday and Monday evenings at Kaplan Residence at 2219 Egandale Rd., Highland Park, from 5-9pm. For information please call Piser Weinstein Funeral Home 1-847-679-4740.

To plant trees in memory, please visit the Sympathy Store.

Published by Chicago Sun-Times on Jun. 4, 2011.

Memories and Condolences
for Morris Kaplan

Not sure what to say?





Steve Rose

March 24, 2012

Thank you, Morrie.
Many good times.
Smiles.

STEVE MAZER

December 23, 2011

MORRY WAS MY GOD FATHER MAY HE REST IN PEACE.HE WAS A VERY GOOD FRIEND OF MY FATHER IRVING MAZER

Mary Hexter Moneypenny

August 3, 2011

To the entire Kaplan family -- this must be a hard blow to bear, especially so soon after the loss of Burt. But please be comforted by memories of happy times that you shared, as well as knowing that his long, full, well-lived life serves as an inspiration to others to make the world a better place, as both he and Burt did, "lighting candles" rather than just "cursing the darkness." Anyone who was a part of his life is, indeed, fortunate. My deepest sympathy to your family.

June 16, 2011

I was a neighbor of Morris (Joe Brody's step daughter, Joy Sligh Corson). Always a smile and genuine caring. Jean came out to visit me at my home in Arizona and because of time and distance we lost touch. Would someone please notify her of my sincere condolences and contact me at 602-826-4804. or 6 Inner Circle, Scottsdale, Arizona 85258.

Again, Morris was a wonderful man and loved his first wife.

Joy Sligh Corson

Harlan Katz

June 7, 2011

My sincere condolences to the Kaplan Family. Morrie was the best "boss" that anyone could have had. There never was anyone close to him during my 37 years with Sealy. The world is a much better place for having Morrie on this planet. May he rest in peace...

Harlan & Paulette Katz

June 6, 2011

TO THE FAMILY OF MORRIS KAPLAN:
MY HEARTFELT CONDOLENCES. HE WAS AN AMAZING MAN.
SYBIL GROSSMAN

Jobi Cates

June 5, 2011

Dear Dolores, Bob, Jeanne, Anne, and all of your children and grandchildren: I loved Morry like he was my own grandfather, because he treated me like a member of the family, and gave so generously of himself to make me and all around him better than we thought we could be. I owe so much to knowing him. My heart and thoughts are with you.

June 4, 2011

Dolores - You are very much in our thoughts and prayers. He was a giant!

Barbara and Wally Scott

Janet Harrison

June 3, 2011

To Dolores: From a Williams family member although a distant one: I know how much our family, especially in Chicago, has valued the friendship and great trips and times through the years with Morry. I send my heartfelt condolences. Morry will be greatly missed among the Williams clan. A life so well lived..Janet/Cissy (#2 Williams daughter)

Doris Conant

June 3, 2011

Dolores:What an extraordinary man Morry
was. We loved having him as a friend. I
know you will all miss him greatly but he left such a remarkable legacy he will never be forgotten.

Sheldon Gray

June 3, 2011

Dear Dolores; My heart and thoughts are with you and the entire Kaplan family. May the good Lord grant you comfort and peace during this difficult time.

Showing 1 - 11 of 11 results

Make a Donation
in Morris Kaplan's name

Memorial Events
for Morris Kaplan

To offer your sympathy during this difficult time, you can now have memorial trees planted in a National Forest in memory of your loved one.

Funeral services provided by:

Piser Funeral Services

9200 North Skokie Blvd, Skokie, IL 60077

How to support Morris's loved ones
Honor a beloved veteran with a special tribute of ‘Taps’ at the National WWI Memorial in Washington, D.C.

The nightly ceremony in Washington, D.C. will be dedicated in honor of your loved one on the day of your choosing.

Read more
Attending a Funeral: What to Know

You have funeral questions, we have answers.

Read more
Should I Send Sympathy Flowers?

What kind of arrangement is appropriate, where should you send it, and when should you send an alternative?

Read more
What Should I Write in a Sympathy Card?

We'll help you find the right words to comfort your family member or loved one during this difficult time.

Read more
Resources to help you cope with loss
Estate Settlement Guide

If you’re in charge of handling the affairs for a recently deceased loved one, this guide offers a helpful checklist.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituaries, grief & privacy: Legacy’s news editor on NPR podcast

Legacy's Linnea Crowther discusses how families talk about causes of death in the obituaries they write.

Read more
The Five Stages of Grief

They're not a map to follow, but simply a description of what people commonly feel.

Read more
Ways to honor Morris Kaplan's life and legacy
Obituary Examples

You may find these well-written obituary examples helpful as you write about your own family.

Read more
How to Write an Obituary

Need help writing an obituary? Here's a step-by-step guide...

Read more
Obituary Templates – Customizable Examples and Samples

These free blank templates make writing an obituary faster and easier.

Read more
How Do I Write a Eulogy?

Some basic help and starters when you have to write a tribute to someone you love.

Read more